Senate Republicans call out Walz administration for undermining OIG hiring independence

Today, Senators Michael Kreun (R-Blaine) and Mark Koran (R-North Branch) released the following statement after being notified through nonpartisan staff that the Walz Administration plans to post high-level job positions in the newly established Office of the Inspector General, despite the Inspector General position not being filled yet. They released the following statement:

"This is an absolute overreach by the Walz administration to undermine the independence of the Office of Inspector General. No one wants Gov. Walz or his administration involved in the Office of Inspector General, and he certainly shouldn't be hiring staff to enter into agreements with his administration before the Inspector General can participate in the hiring process. The point of the office was its independence, and this move is the opposite. We are appalled at such a brazen move by a lame-duck Governor who oversaw the largest fraud schemes our state has seen. We are calling on the Administration to use common sense understanding of the law that dictates the hiring process and not make any job postings until the Inspector General is hired. This office needs a fresh start and as much independence as possible." 

Kreun is the Lead Republican Author of the bill creating the Office of the Inspector General. Koran sits on the Legislative Audit Commission. They are the Senate Republican representatives on the Legislative Inspector General Advisory Commission.